Hughton’s presence at Celtic Park on Wednesday for the Bhoys’ 1-0 Scottish Premier League win over Motherwell fuelled speculation of an imminent bid for £5m-rated Israeli midfielder Beram Kayal.

Celtic’s English-bred striker Gary Hooper was the match-winner in midweek and inevitably became another in a lengthening list of potential forward additions linked with a New Year switch to Norfolk.

Hughton expects plenty more over the course of the next month, but the experienced Norwich boss aims to retain the element of surprise in his transfer dealings.

Chief executive David McNally told supporters earlier this week the Canaries have yet to lodge any firm bids and Hughton was coy when questioned on his scouting mission north of the border.

“There were 22 players that caught my eye. It was a good game and a wonderful atmosphere, but it is an opportunity to take in a different game – particularly one from outside our division – and also different players and different systems,” he said, with Hughton also electing to play a straight bat to fresh stories that Brighton’s Craig Mackail-Smith and Utrecht’s Jacob Mulenga are on his radar.

“They are two of numerous names that have been mentioned. As we continue to say, we have a scouting network that works all year round so it is inevitable that we are linked to players, we are no different to every other club in that respect.

“There is a correct way to do your work and that is behind-the-scenes. You can mention all the players you want but they are not our players.

“They are the responsibility of other clubs and I think it is respectful to only speak about facts, but I understand why names are being put to me.”

Hughton also acknowledged festive injuries to senior strikers Grant Holt and Steve Morison will only add to the growing transfer speculation, with the front duo again ruled out for this weekend’s FA Cup third round tie at Peterborough.

“It is a position which has been mentioned on plenty of occasions already,” he said.

“For us, it is about doing the work to determine where we feel we need to strengthen the squad and what the options are.

“I think perhaps the fact we have had Holty out for some games and now Stevie highlights that area a little bit more, but you have to be conscious you can bring in someone who is better than what we already have here.

“We do have players like Simeon (Jackson), who hasn’t played as much as he would have liked to, and young Harry Kane, who started at West Ham.”

Hughton was more candid on the prospect of any potential Carrow Road exits, with no firm interest yet lodged for any of his stars.

“No. We haven’t had any calls,” he said. “At this moment I wouldn’t be looking to let anybody out. My thoughts would be very much on who we can bring in. If there is somebody we feel is going to be beneficial and strengthen the squad or the team then we have to look to do that, but I am not desperate to lose anybody.”

Currently trending

Apparently, Hoots` predecessor, being overly quizzed by a local hack, growled "Ye ken ah wouldnae tell ye if it was darrk ootside". Hoots is more secretive than that! Hoots has struck unlucky with injuries just lately but most would say that Moro was not up to covering for Holty anyway. I imagine, despite denials, CH might have been looking in the Summer to improve his options in attack but couldn`t do the right business. He clearly does not rate JV or CM that highly and only Holty seems to fit his preferred formation. Sorry my cerebral capabilities disappoint you, Steady On. CanaryWest and I have disagreed on a few things in the past but we still respect each others` viewpoint. To err is human. IHWT.

You guys do understand no-one leaves it to the last minute on purpose, right? It's a complex affair of money and also the selling club finding cover for the player they are selling, it creates a chain. Clubs are all holding out for the best price, especially clubs that have no reason to sell. Patience is a virtue.

Agree, CW. Trouble is finding one like Holty! Unless Hoots is planning a change of approach, eg 2 strikers, back to the "diamond" or whatever. The lone front-man system needs a Holt. As it is we only have Harry & Cinnamon available and I don`t think either of them is suited to that role, though Harry might grow into it as he gets more experience? IHWT.

We're hardly going to release to the press saying we've bid for x, y & z. No-one will honestly know if we've tabled a bid other than the manager, chairman & the other club, it's all speculation at this point. Transfer wise I'd like to see Danny Graham from Swansea & Kayal. Not sure we could prise Hooper away in Jan, summer might be a different prospect. OTBC!

Apparently, Hoots` predecessor, being overly quizzed by a local hack, growled "Ye ken ah wouldnae tell ye if it was darrk ootside". Hoots is more secretive than that! Hoots has struck unlucky with injuries just lately but most would say that Moro was not up to covering for Holty anyway. I imagine, despite denials, CH might have been looking in the Summer to improve his options in attack but couldn`t do the right business. He clearly does not rate JV or CM that highly and only Holty seems to fit his preferred formation. Sorry my cerebral capabilities disappoint you, Steady On. CanaryWest and I have disagreed on a few things in the past but we still respect each others` viewpoint. To err is human. IHWT.

If we are bringing in a striker I hope we do it ASAP rather than waiting until the last minute of the transfer deadline as usual. If Holt is injured more seriously then we have been told, we need a new striker immediately rather than letting games and points slip by while we wait.

Hi Steady on. Yes of course we realise. However, we do have injury issues up front and points will slip away. We might be mid table now but could be looking over our shoulders by the end of January. Dont forget that the club has had months to identify targets, they didnt just start looking on Jan 1st. The news that we have made no bids is a concern. Hopefully that is just a smokescreen. I dont want to see us bring in some "also ran" striker at 10.30 on the last day of the window.

Apparently, Hoots` predecessor, being overly quizzed by a local hack, growled "Ye ken ah wouldnae tell ye if it was darrk ootside". Hoots is more secretive than that! Hoots has struck unlucky with injuries just lately but most would say that Moro was not up to covering for Holty anyway. I imagine, despite denials, CH might have been looking in the Summer to improve his options in attack but couldn`t do the right business. He clearly does not rate JV or CM that highly and only Holty seems to fit his preferred formation. Sorry my cerebral capabilities disappoint you, Steady On. CanaryWest and I have disagreed on a few things in the past but we still respect each others` viewpoint. To err is human. IHWT.

Is it dark outside Lambert? Or is it just Aston Villa's goal difference standing in front of the window blocking the light..? The way things are going, I'm expecting Vague McFishtail- Smythe to roll up for a medical anyday for the snip price of £6m plus sell-on clause...

We're hardly going to release to the press saying we've bid for x, y & z. No-one will honestly know if we've tabled a bid other than the manager, chairman & the other club, it's all speculation at this point. Transfer wise I'd like to see Danny Graham from Swansea & Kayal. Not sure we could prise Hooper away in Jan, summer might be a different prospect. OTBC!

Well, you`ve tempted me out Ghana Dom. Shot yourself in the foot? Why so offensive? What have I done to you? I thought we had had some decent dialogue in the past. If you don`t like what I contribute, you are not obliged to read it. I am sorry you have seen fit to be antagonistic. I shall carry on regardless. OTBC.